I always tell beginning runners: Train your brain first. It's much more important than your heart or legs.

Running is ultimately a personal experience. It is a revival of the spirit, a private oasis for the thirsty mind. Yet, its healing power only increases in the presence of others. Run together and the oasis grows cooler and more satisfying.

Don't compare yourself with anyone else. The world is full of runners, so you'll probably see one every time you circle the block or your favorite park. Some will be thinner than you, some smoother-striding, some faster. But don't let this get you down. There's only one runner who really counts: you. Running is your activity. Make it work for you, and don't worry about anyone else.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint; pace yourself accordingly.

I always tell beginning runners: Train your brain first. It's much more important than your heart or legs.

That's the beauty of starting lines: Until you begin a new venture, you never know what awaits you.

Here’s my mantra: ‘Every mile is a gift.’